Appalachian Promise Alliance is Making Parenting Sweet!

We have tips, information, practices, and parenting classes, sessions, workshops, support groups, seasoned educators, and friendships that can help lighten some of your load and make parenting easier. Wish you had an extra hand? A little help? A hack that makes things a little easier? Wondering if doing something different would help? Check out the Parenting Educator Network opportunities below in the highlights.

“Family life is seldom a straight line. It is more a collage of many happy and hard situations. This simple podcast of around 12-15 minutes per episode gives do-able strategies that increase confidence to support your children through the difficult every day situations and live closer to your hopes and values.”

If podcasts are your jive, be sure to check out the Simplicity Parenting Podcast with Kim John Payne!

New: Free Parent Coaching Sessions!

Receive local parenting support on your schedule! Reserve a time to chat with a parenting educator, get support or resources. Our Parent Coaching is available through the Parenting Sweet free of charge with support from generous donors.

Guiding Good Choices

Registering now for our new series beginning in January 2025!

Choose from weekly sessions held online on Wednesdays at 7:30 PM or Saturdays at 4:00 PM.

Guiding Good Choices teaches parents how to:

• Strengthen family bonds and enjoy quality time together
• Incorporate family meetings and fun activities
• Equip children to resist peer pressure and say no to drugs
• Set family guidelines
• Manage anger and family conflicts.

If you are interested in this free five-session weekly program, visit ParentingSweet.org to learn more or register.

The Parenting Sweet’s Library of Baby Carriers Is Now Online!

Mei Tais, Woven Wraps, Buckle Carriers, Ring Slings – we have such a variety of baby carriers to choose from! View details about each carrier in our online database. We’d love to invite you to the Parenting Sweet in Bristol, TN, to try our baby carriers (by appointment only).

Story Time & Attached at the Heart Conversations at the Bristol Public Library

Tuesday, January 21st in the Bristol Children’s Library!

This is a judgment-free zone to share stories, ask questions, and gain confidence on your parenting journey. It is also a great place to volunteer and encourage and support other parents.

Join us after the Tuesday 10:00 am Story Time at the Bristol Public Library! Story time runs from 10 to 11 am, and Parent-time follows at 11 am.

2nd Annual MLK Jr. Children’s Day – Free Event!

Monday January 20, 2025, 12 PM to 1:30 PM
YWCA Gymnasium, 106 State St, Bristol, TN

MLK Children’s Day 2025: Mission Possible! 

Join us for a day of celebration, creativity, and inspiration as we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This is a free event for kids aged 4–18 designed to inspire the leaders of tomorrow. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable day of fun, learning, and community!

 Interactive games, crafts, and storytelling!
 Activities exploring Dr. King’s life, civil rights, and the power of diversity.
 Free lunch and books for up to 100 children, thanks to our generous sponsor, Just Jump Trampoline Park!
 Special Event: A march to the Bristol Sign at 1:45 PM.

Parents Night Out!

Included with all of our family memberships, Parents Night Out is the perfect opportunity for busy parents to take some quality time together with the security of knowing the Y has your children in safe hands. Participants will enjoy a fun-filled evening of activities and games for ages 6 weeks-12 years from 6:30-9:30pm on the listed Saturday nights.

Location: YMCA of Bristol
Ages: 6 weeks – 12 year olds
Hours: Saturday, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Fees: Free with family memberships

Frontier Cabin Life @ Fort Watauga

Wednesday January 15, 2025, 10 AM to 12 PM

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, 1651 W Elk Ave, Elizabethton, TN

Step back in time and join Ranger Sarah in the Talbot Cabin at Fort Watauga to experience the challenges and rewards of 18th-century frontier life. Drop by and see what life was like back on the 18th century frontier.

Family Playtime

This program is focused on providing developmentally appropriate activities for families to do with their child(ren). It is a space where parents can gain support from the Strong Starts team or peers while children explore and play.

Visit the Optional Registration page to learn about the various dates and locations around the region.

Free book provided to each family (while supplies last).

League of Ordinary Gentlemen: Dad Support Group

On Thursdays from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM, Carter County Drug Prevention holds a Dad support group. Find them at 328 East Elk Ave, Elizabethton, TN. For more information, please contact Dustin Leilich at 423-297-1335.

Sullivan County Public Library – January Event Calendars

SCPL January 2025 Calendars are now live. Make plans to visit your local library during the early days of 2025! To view calendars with descriptions and clickable links to event registrations visit www.scpltn.org/calendars

Bristol TN Youth Exercise Program

The City of Bristol, TN, Department of Parks & Recreation presents a Youth P.E. Class on Tuesdays at 5:30 PM, beginning January 7, 2025 through February 13, 2025. Children ages 9 through 13 (grades 3rd to 8th) are welcome to register. Classes will be held in the Slater Community Center Gymnasium.

Registration is now open and includes a $2 fee. For additional information, please contact Becky Olinger at bolinger@bristoltn.org or call the Department of Parks & Rec at (423) 764-4023.

Be a Parenting Volunteer

The Appalachian Promise Alliance’s Parenting Network meets the third Thursday of each month at noon and works to support parenting education in our community by sharing efforts, communicating the value and importance of parenting education, and learning more about how we can better serve families. If you are interested in helping teach classes, mentor parents, or have parenting educator updates to share, please contact us at ParentingSweet@AppalachianPromise.org!

Learn more about the Parenting Educator Network on Appalachian Promise Alliance’s website.

Postpartum Support Groups, Classes & Resources in Spanish

Postpartum Support International offers free virtual support groups, free postpartum planning classes, and free postpartum resources in Spanish. Visit Postpartum Support International for a wealth of resources for expecting and postpartum parents.

Free Virtual Car Seat Check

The National Safety Council offers Virtual Car Seat Checks as a FREE Resource! Schedule a Virtual Car Seat Check with a Nationally Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST).

During your appointment, the CPST will educate you on proper selection, direction, location and installation of your car seat or booster seat. The CPST can also assist you in determining if your child is ready to transition from a booster seat to a seat belt!

Weekly Music Lessons with JAM Kids at the Museum!

JAM Kids introduces music through small group instruction on acoustic instruments common to the Appalachian region, such as guitar, banjo, and fiddle.
Open to children grades 4-8 and beyond!
Where: The Learning Center, Birthplace of Country Music Museum
When: Weekly on Saturdays from 10:30 am to 11:30 AM.
Cost: $5 per class or $45 for 10 lessons
Registration is required to participate in this program.

Prenatal Support Group

Focused on preparing for baby and ways to care for your health, self, finances, mind, safety, and baby. It is a space where expectant parents can gain support from our team, the community, and peers while they learn about preparing for their baby.

Free diapers for each pregnant individual (while supplies last)

At the end, Ballad Health will provide a gift card for completion of curriculum and attendance.

Registration encouraged but not required at https://www.eventbrite.com/o/niswonger-childrens-hospital-31133152145.

Fun & Games for Teens

Bristol Public Library Teen Space | Wednesdays from 3PM – 6PM

The BPL Teen Space hosts a weekly gaming club where teens and tweens are invited to hangout and use the library’s gaming console, board games, and LEGO collection! Other gaming clubs, board game tournaments, and arts & craft activities are offered throughout the month. Visit https://www.facebook.com/bplteenreaders for upcoming events.

Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Sullivan County

The organization is looking for mentors age 23+ to volunteer 2-3 hours for 2-3 weekends a month as part of their Community-Based Program.

Big Brothers/Sisters can be 15+ years in age; the organization works with schools to allow meetings to occur during school hours.

YWCA Family Network

On-site Family Navigators work closely with family members to ensure families are receiving the care, training, education, services, and financial assistance they need. As part of the program, you will be invited to participate in community events with your family. From family cookouts to karaoke, you’re sure to find something entire family will enjoy!

For more information or to join YWCA Family Network, please visit the website, email FamilyNetwork@YWCATNVA.org, or call (423) 968-9444.

IS MOM OK?

Raise awareness about ​maternal mental health ​and suicide prevention. ​Early intervention can ​lead to better outcomes ​for mothers and families.

Cherished Mom works to transform ​the dialogue around Maternal Mental Health and is committed to ending the stigma ​associated with Perinatal Mood and Anxiety ​Disorders (PMADs) and enhancing awareness.

Learn more.